Grade 8 - Project Making the Design Template

How to make your 1:1 design and cutting template:

1) Paste the 8 typing sheets together with cellotape in two rows of four by slightly overlapping each sheet with the other.

2) Draw a horizontal line 210mm from the bottom edge of the template. This line will be known as the "level plane" and will indicate the imaginary line between the desktops.

3) Find the middle of the level plane line and mark it with a small cross. This will be the exact middle of your bridge.

4) From the cross in the middle measure 375mm to the left and 375mm to the right to indicate the actual length of the bridge (750mm) when it rests on the desks.

5) Measure and indicate the distance of where your bridge must sit on the desks with light cross hatching of 50mm on each side.

6) Draw in the gap of 650mm that needs to be crossed between the desks.

7) Draw a dotted line 85mm below the level plane. (To indicate the maximum depth that you may build below the level plane.)

8) Draw a dotted line 250mm above the level plane. To indicate the maximum height you may build above the level plane.)

9) Draw in the two Drums (turned down D shapes) from the loading harness as indicated on the loading harness diagram. The two drums are 50mm wide, 50mm apart and 30mm high.

10) Draw your bridge exactly as you plan to build it after Mr. Buys has discussed its shape with you. (Remember to draw each member to its actual size i.e. 4mm) (Double or strengthened members must be drawn as double members separated by 10mm spacers every 50mm apart inbetween the double members. See the specification diagrams.)

11) Measure the length of the members in mm, it should not exceed 6000 - 6500mm as you still need to leave wood to use as spacers for the double / reiforced members as well as wood for cross bracing between the trusses.

12) Check that you have reinforced the top compression members and the area directly below where the loading harness fits.

13) Ask Mr Buys to check your cutting template for obvious and key mistakes. He will give you a mark out of 4 which will indicate the level of suitability of your design to go over to manufacture. You may ONLY start when you achieve a 4 out of 4 mark.